Videos for swavesey uk - Cigar Box Nation

Home made lapslide - made from an old spirit level.

2015-06-23T12:09:06.083Z

https://bemuzic.bandcamp.com/

This was such a simple build...am amazed at how it sounds?!

Look what I got for Christmas!

2012-12-28T12:37:51.261Z

Very pleased with this.It was made by Michael Bowman. Check out his website! http://whatshebuildinginthere.com/
Ignore the fact that I'm still in my dressing gown : -/

Home made Bass Diddley Bow - The Leveller!! - With Elmar "Diddley Bug" flatpup

2012-09-28T17:31:52.129Z

A bass Diddley Bow made from an old spirit level. I call it "The Leveller"
It has a 34" scale length, and has a bass E string on it. The sound from the video camera doesn't really pick up how awesome it sounds..it's much better in the flesh!!
The Flatpup 1 "Diddley Bug" pick up is available here:
http://www.original-flatpup.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=212&Itemid=99
Elmar also makes them for 2,3,4,5 and 6 string guitars. Excellent for Cigar Box Guitars

I have some music available here :
http://bemuzic.bandcamp.com/

New Song Demo - English Summer

2012-09-19T17:31:04.753Z

LYRICS

English Summer

I'm standing in a shop doorway
hiding from the rain.
It's a five minute pause and then,
here we go again.

CHORUS

I'm flip flopping my way
through the summer days.
White arrows on my feet
show the way to go.
Tripping over clichés
as I try to find,
something new
to say about the summer.

An English summer has to be too hot,
or else it is too cold.
We need something to talk about,
distract us from the world.

CHORUS

You’ve got to make the most of it
when the sun shines down on you.
Cos it can all be whipped away,
nothing you can do.

CHORUS

I have my head up in the clouds
a big part of the day.
It’s a pretty good way to spend your time
until they blow away.

CHORUS

Bourbon Blues - On Three String Bourbon Biscuit Tin Guitar

2012-05-04T13:07:10.747Z

I loved the look of this tin like a giant Bourbon biscuit, and thought it would be fun to make into a guitar...didn't expect it to sound so good!!
These are still available from M&S for about a fiver. They are selling on eBay for much more...and with no biscuits in??!!
My husband spotted them. He also got a Custard Cream one which he is planning to use to make his first guitar when he can find the time. They'd be great to play together : -)
I'm using one of my favourite slides, made by diamond bottlenecks http://www.diamondbottlenecks.com/DB08/index.asp
The amp used is a Roland AC33, absolutely clean with no reverb or anything.
I used a rod piezo (from CB Gitty) which I put just under the bridge inside the tin, between the tin and the neck. It's wedged in so there is downward pressure on it which I think is important. This is the second one of them I have used and I think they're great!! Less feedback and a more rich and mellow tone than the disc piezos.

The Bourbon was introduced in 1910 (originally under the name Creola) by the Bermondsey biscuit company Peek Freans, of London, originator of the Garibaldi biscuit. The Peek Frean brand is now owned in the UK by United Biscuits, although the Peek Frean name is no longer used in the UK. In the US and Canada the brand is owned by Kraft Foods.

The Forest - Demo

2011-10-12T16:35:21.586Z

I'm not too sure about this one. I wrote it ages ago, but left it off my EP.
I've changed the tune a couple of times since first writing it. I'm worried it maybe sounds too repetitive??....but I've noticed that if I play it while busking that people often prick their ears up and stop, so maybe it's got something....
Opinions welcome on whether it should go on my album or not?!
I recorded the sound from the amp (Roland AC33) to my Tascam DP004 instead of just using the video sound.
I think it sounds better, but not sure if I'll do that every time as it takes quite a bit longer!!

LYRICS

THE FOREST

I woke up in a forest,
there was silence all around,
no other people with me,
there was frost upon the ground

I started walking slowly,
with no energy to run,
time it had no meaning,
I just moved towards the sun

After months and months of walking,
every night and every day,
the trees came to an end,
and I heard music start to play

Inst break

Some people came to meet me,
there was food and there was wine,
I listened to the music,
and the sun began to shine

I suddenly felt tired,
but I wanted to stay,
so I laid down on the grass,
and I began to drift away

1st verse repeated

3 string "Belinda" CBG with Juju pick up (my 1st fretted build!!)

2011-09-14T17:33:49.390Z

This is the 2nd of my Belinda boxes that I bought from eBay. Did an amp with the 1st one, see this vid http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEXIKKMZHHc ......6 more to go!!
I wanted this CBG to be an all rounder that I could take with me busking and play all my songs on, so the action had to be high enough to slide, but not too high for some of the picking stuff. After lots of fiddling about I've got the balance right and can just about play everything (with the aid of a capo) There are some photos here:
http://www.cigarboxnation.com/photo/albums/3-string-belinda-cbg-with-juju-pic...
On the video I've tried to play lots of different types of things to show how it sounds. The Juju pick up is BRILLIANT!! If you haven't already check out Juju's website:
http://www.jujus-cigar-box-guitars.webeden.co.uk/

Thanks again to all of you who gave me advice and put up with my silly questions!!

More Diddley Bow fun : -)

2011-08-14T08:48:25.298Z

Seems to sound a bit like the Mission Impossible theme tune in places??!

For more details and to see the Diddley Bow better, check out these photos:
http://www.cigarboxnation.com/photo/albums/didley-bow-with-bob-harrison-lone-star-pick-up
The handwound pick up is made by Bob Harrison http://www.harrisonguitarpickups.com/

Broom Handle Diddley Bow with Bob Harrison Lonestar pick up - demo

2011-08-11T16:55:10.990Z

A bit of a random jam with my latest Diddley Bow, that I finished making recently : -)
Love the pick up, both the sound and look..pure quality!!!
Take a look at Bob's website :

http://www.harrisonguitarpickups.com/

For more details and to see the Diddley Bow better, check out these photos:
http://www.cigarboxnation.com/photo/albums/didley-bow-with-bob-harrison-lone-star-pick-up

Let Go - Demo

2011-08-03T13:53:43.003Z

I've written about half a dozen new songs, so what was going to be my next EP is definitely going to be a full album now!!
Here's a demo of one of the new songs...I'll try and do demos of the others when I get time....
I'm using my 3 string CBG made by Marshall Stapleton,
http://www.wix.com/marshallstapleton/guitars
oh and my Boss RC-20 Loop Station!

3 Sting Fretless Cigar Box Guitar With Bob Harrison Hand Wound Pick Up

2011-07-29T18:32:09.756Z

I don't know what number to call this build? I've made a plank Diddley Bow, a Canjo and a 2 string CBG, but that was just a test run really, made with a cheap bit of pine and a box I didn't really care about (having said that I love playing it!!)
This one feels like my first "proper build" as it has a wooden box that I like, and a maple neck.....and of course the Bob Harrison pick up, which is what prompted me to make it!!
I made a saddle and the bridge and nut are made from unbleached bone.
I was pretty slow building this, but am really pleased with the result!!
If you haven't already, check out Bob's website!
http://www.harrisonguitarpickups.com/

Demo of 2 String CBG and 2 String CBG Bass

2011-06-13T15:05:19.153Z

The first one is made by Marshall Stapleton http://www.wix.com/marshallstapleton/guitars#!
It has A and D strings on it, which at the moment are tuned down to E,B

The second one is made by Jay from tinyguitars
http://www.tinyguitars.tk/
It's tuned Bb, F
I'm having great fun with them both!!

Waiting For The Rain - Demo

2011-05-25T11:16:14.785Z

I wrote this after going for a walk and seeing how dry everywhere was...it's the driest Spring here for 100years apparently!! Bad for the farmers but at least I got a song out of it!
I'm playing my new Cigar Box guitar made by Marshall Stapleton..check out his website!
http://www.wix.com/marshallstapleton/guitars#!
and here's his page on Cigar Box Nation
http://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/marshallstapleton

Demo of my new 3 String Cigar Box Guitar!!

2011-05-24T14:02:25.894Z

REALLY pleased with this!!!
It's made by Marshall Stapleton.Check out the beautiful instruments on his website
http://www.wix.com/marshallstapleton/guitars#!
and here's his page on Cigar Box Nation
http://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/marshallstapleton

Is Anybody There? - Unplugged New Song Demo on Diddley Bow - LIVE from the kitchen!!!

2011-04-21T16:27:52.519Z

A quick demo...this song is very new and so things may change, but here it is for now : -)
The Diddley Bow likes to be loud, so TURN IT UP!!

Lyrics:

Is Anybody There?

Feels like I always sing the verse,
but I want to sing the chorus.

Don't know which mirror tells the truth,
so I look into them all.

Why do we iron out the creases?
I'm not playing any more.

The lights are shining in my eyes.
Is anybody there??

bemuzic - Spring Song - Live

2011-04-15T13:05:33.064Z

You can download Spring Song and the "If You're Not Listening That's OK" EP that it's on, here:

http://www.bemuzic.bandcamp.com

Have a listen and if you want to download it, just pay whatever you think it's worth : -)

The lyrics are also on the bandcamp…

bemuzic - The Gambler - Demo

2011-03-30T17:18:35.538Z

LYRICS:
THE GAMBLER

WELL I KNOW I'VE HAD SOME GOOD TIMES
BUT THEY NEVER LAST THAT LONG
CLIMBED TO THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAINS
AND I LEARNED TO SING MY SONG

CHORUS

DAYS ARE LINING UP IN FRONT OF ME
I KNOCK THEM OVER ONE BY ONE
THE STAKES ARE GETTING HIGHER
LIKE A GAMBLER I CAN'T STOP

THE RIDE IS SLOWING DOWN NOW
AND MY FEET ARE GETTING COLD
DON'T WANT TO GO TO THAT PLACE AGAIN
WHERE LIVES ARE BOUGHT AND SOLD

CHORUS

I'M GOING ROUND IN CIRCLES
YEAH I'VE SEEN IT ALL BEFORE
IF YOU TURN YOUR PAINTING OVER
YOU MIGHT SEE SOMETHING MORE

CHORUS

bemuzic - Going Home - Demo

2011-03-30T13:38:11.574Z

LYRICS:
GOING HOME

A BREEZE STIRS THE GRASS
WAKES A MEMORY FROM THE PAST
ROOTS TWIST AND TURN
THE LIGHT FROM A TORCH UPON THE GROUND

A VOICE IS CALLING ME HOME

TIME SLIPS AND SLIDES
WORDS ARE JUMPING OUT OF RHYME
THE RECORD STARTS AGAIN
I KNOW EVERY SINGLE LINE

AND A VOICE IS CALLING ME HOME

YEARS PILING UP
A DUSTY ROOM A BROKEN CLOCK
BOOKS THAT WON’T BE READ
IT DOESN’T MATTER COS I KNOW

THAT A VOICE IS CALLING ME HOME
I’M GOING HOME
YEAH I’M GOING HOME ETC….

Letter To My Younger Self - Demo

2011-02-23T13:55:44.949Z

The thing I did recently with my loop pedal and Cigar Box Strummer has turned into a song....here's a quick demo.
It's sort of me now (aged 51) talking to myself aged about 12 or so...wondering if the lyrics are a bit corny??? Opinions welcome.
LYRICS:

LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF

DON'T DO WHAT THEY SAY WITHOUT ASKING QUESTIONS
IF YOU MAKE A FOOL OF YOURSELF WELL THAT'S OK
GET TO KNOW WHO YOU ARE THEN LEARN TO LIKE IT
HOLD ONTO YOUR FRIENDS DON'T PUSH THEM AWAY

CHORUS
IF YOU COULD SEE WHAT WAS COMING
YOU WOULD TURN YOUR HEAD AWAY
BUT THE WORLD JUST KEEPS ON SPINNING
IT'S GONNA HAPPEN ANYWAY

REMEMBER THAT PEOPLE ARE NOT PERFECT
THEY JUST DO THE BEST THEY CAN
SO KEEP AN OPEN MIND AND CHANGE IT OFTEN
LAUGH AT EVERY SINGLE THING YOU CAN

CHORUS

I DON'T PRETEND TO KNOW THE ANSWERS
I STUMBLE ALONG MOST OF THE TIME
JUST WANTED TO TRY TO MAKE THINGS EASIER
THAT'S WHY I WROTE THIS LETTER FOR YOU

CHORUS

Waiting For The Other Shoe To Drop – bemuzic – A (very!) rough demo of a new song

2011-02-19T12:56:50.052Z

I just filmed this for myself so I could hear it from the outside, if that makes sense?! ….then thought I might as well share it.
Recorded completely unplugged and I just used the video sound. Added some reverb and turned the volume UP to make it slightly distorted in Adobe Premiere Elements 4.
Thought I did well to keep playing through that earthquake!!!
Vocals might not be too easy to hear so here are the lyrics:

WAITING FOR THE OTHER SHOE TO DROP

THE LIGHT IS SLOWLY FADING
TOMORROW BLEEDS INTO TODAY
RABBITS PLAYING IN THE ROAD
MY MUSCLES SLOWLY TIGHTEN AGAIN

CHORUS
IF NOW’S THE ONLY TIME I HAVE
WHY DO I RUN AWAY AND HIDE
WAITING FOR THE OTHER SHOE TO DROP
BUT IT STILL TAKES ME BY SURPRISE

A TELEPHONE IS RINGING
SOMEWHERE INSIDE MY MIND
THE TV NEWS FIRES BULLETS AT ME
AND I FLY AWAY

CHORUS

IS THIS THE LAST DAY OF THE WEEK?
I DON’T KNOW WHEN TO SAY GOODBYE
PHOTOS FADING IN AN ALBUM
I DON’T FEEL LIKE THEY ARE MINE

CHORUS